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Why I am vying for House of Reps seat’ -Hon. Ademola Ige

A notable politician with an intimidating leadership profile, Hon. Ademola Ige was chairman, Interim Management Committee, Ibadan South East local government in 2003. He became the council’s chairman from 2003 to 2009.

It was from there the astute politician was appointed chairman, Ibadan Properties Company Limited. A former Senior Special Assistant to Oyo State governor, in this interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly,  explained why he wants to be a lawmaker. He also assessed the chances of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state stating why the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC) must be rejected in the South West and much more…

You were once a member of Oyo State House of Assembly on the platform of PDP, how would you describe the experience?

igeI can describe the experience as interesting. As a grassroots politician. I found it more interesting to serve my people at the grassroots level. It has enabled me to know what exactly the people of my constituency need.

What were the challenges?

The challenges were not new to me because politics is in my blood. It’s unfortunate that politics has become a major source of insecurity as evidenced in the do or die approach of some practitioners.

Bitter and inflammatory statements emanating from some politicians have, at different times in the history of this country, consumed thousands of innocent lives and threatened the foundation of our nation.

How would you assess the performance of PDP then?

The assessment of the PDP was so good and excellent because the party has a good manifesto. The leaders of the party were really in charge and there was discipline

How would you describe Oyo politics since the death of Chief Adedibu?

It wasn’t too good because immediately after the death of Adedibu, everything changed. Indiscipline was the order of the day. Everybody wanted to be the leader. There was too much of fighting within the party and that caused us to lose the elections in 2011.

What motivated you into politics?

Politics in our country must be about advancing and actualizing the big dream of our union. So, the encouragement and grassroots support from the good people of my constituency motivated me.

Recently, we heard about a ritual den at Soka, many things were said about the past administration having a hand in it. What can you say about this?

It’s very unfortunate that Soka House of Horror is in Ibadan. The place belongs to Ibadan Properties Company Limited of which I was the chairman in 2007. Throughout my tenure, kidnapping and rituals did not exist in the place. So, the government of the day should be able to answer the question and say something about the notorious consultant (Gbadamosi) that is already on the run.  He was alleged to have masterminded the ritual killings in the place.

igeYou are aspiring  for House of Reps. what inspired this?

What inspired me for the House of Representatives is that my federal constituency deserves the best. So, my people need a change and I have answered the call of my people. I have offered myself to be the agent of change.

What’s your chance of winning, now that the state is under APC?

In Oyo state, people are tired of APC, and my chances are very bright because the zoning favours my local government and I am their choice. I have been tested and I did not disappoint them.

People have trust in me. They shout, Ige Again, everywhere. My people want me, especially now that the state is under APC, even 80 percent of its members will vote for PDP, if I am given the ticket.

What should we be expecting from you if you win the seat?

I will sponsor bills that will have direct impact on the masses, especially the common man. Meaningful and gainfully empowerment of our youths will be my priority, because a nation that fails to develop its youths, will never develop.

I will give it a priority and it will be a supreme task of my legislative assignment to legislate on the bills that will give hope to the hopeless and strength to the weak.

-NIKE POOPLA

Encomium

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